Anger over planned rail switch which could see Mid Wales lose direct link to Birmingham
Patients in a Mid Wales town could face further stress and anxiety if the region loses its direct rail link to Birmingham, according to a campaigner.
Joy Jones has criticised the Welsh Government after it emerged the current Aberystwyth to Birmingham International service, could be split, terminating in Shrewsbury rather than Birmingham as it does at present.
She said by terminating at Shrewsbury, it would place strain on any patients from Powys using public transport to get to Telford's Princess Royal Hospital.
"This is just unbelievable. They've moved health services further away as it is, children and women's and stroke units are in Telford, and now this," said Mrs Jones, who represents Newtown on Powys County Council.
"It seems to me that the Welsh Government isn't thinking about the residents in this area. We're being penalised for living in a rural area."
Councillor Jones said those needing to get to Telford will get off in Shrewsbury before using a bus or taxi to get them to the Princess Royal Hospital.
She said: "It's a disgrace. When you're ill it's bad enough but then there's the added anxiety because of the journey, it's disgusting.
"This is affecting people day to day but they don't think about that.
"I'm really concerned about it, especially as for some people public transport may be their only means of getting there."
Councillor Jones said the changes to the service will cut off people living in rural areas.
"If this goes ahead then I want to ask the First Minister to build Mid Wales a proper hospital," she added.
The UK Government is planning to hand management of the Wales and Border train franchise to Welsh ministers before the current deal with Arriva ends in 2018.
Earlier this week Montgomeryshire Welsh Assembly member Russell George questioned First Minister Carwyn Jones about the new Wales and Borders rail franchise which will come into force in October 2018.
Mr George said: "I have urged the First Minister to make strong representations to the joint Welsh and UK Government Working Group which is considering the services which will be operated by the replacement Wales and Border franchise from October 2018 onwards.
"Splitting services would mean those travelling to Birmingham and vice-versa would have to change in Shrewsbury.
"This would severely inconvenience a large number of passengers and have a negative impact on the Mid Wales economy."
